Picking Your Perfect Sunscreen: Clearing Up the Confusion Around SPF

*Affiliate links used/PR Samples Included

We all know sunscreen is important. Not only can sun exposure damage our skin and cause it to show signs of premature aging, but it can also lead to pre-cancerous or cancerous growths. We also know that slathering yourself up for a beach day is kind of a no-brainer, but truly any day that we're seeing the sunshine (even if it's just on a trip to the grocery store) we should be using some kind of sun protection. And when I say seeing the sunshine, I don't just mean a beautiful, clear-blue-skies kind of day. Cloud cover can actually trap UV rays and intensify them, so your exposure actually increases when it's overcast. TLDR: if you're outside during the daytime, you need sun protection.

Still, many of us aren't consistent with our use of SPF. We know that the best way to protect ourselves is to make applying sunscreen a part of our skincare daily routine, but getting into the habit can be a bit of a challenge. For me, the biggest game changer was finding a sunscreen I actually enjoyed wearing and that worked well with my skin. The process of finding the perfect SPF is always easier when you know what to look for, so I'm going to attempt to clear up some of the confusion and give you a little more confidence the next time you stroll down the sunscreen aisle.

Four Innovative Skincare Products to Try

*Affiliate links, PR samples used

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that doing your skincare nowadays can make you feel like you're performing an elementary school science experiment? With brands constantly pushing the envelope to create innovative products that deliver results in unique ways, you can achieve a whole new level of fun while taking care of your skin. From powdered cleansers that activate with water, to face masks that you remove with a magnet, getting ready at the bathroom sink everyday might just have your inner child squealing with delight. While this list certainly isn't an exhaustive one, here are four of my current favorite weird and wacky (yet entirely effective) skincare products.

Erno Laszlo White Marble Dual Phase Vitamin C Peel Review

*PR Sample/Affiliate Links used

Friends, today we are venturing into the land of luxury skincare. Generally I am quite content with my budget-friendly routine, but I think there will always be that part of me that's a teensy bit curious as to whether or not ultra-luxe purchases are ever worth it. Fortunately for my wallet, I occasionally get sent press samples (or PR) to review from different brands, which gives me the opportunity to try more products than I would if I was just buying things on my own (cause, you know, your girl has a budget).

Which brings us to the topic of today's post. Thanks to the lovely people over at Influenster and Erno Laszlo, I've been able to try out and review this $100 White Marble Dual Phase Vitamin C Peel for you. Yes, I did just say $100, and no I am not joking. Erno Laszlo has been known for nearly a century as a leading expert in skincare among celebrities, having graced the complexions of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie O. Their cult classic products come with a hefty price tag, but also some impressive claims. Could this peel possibly be worth a three digit splurge? Or are you just paying a whole lot for a name? Let's take a closer look and perhaps then you can decide.

Five Face Masks You Need in Your Life Right Now

*Affiliate links used.

As much as I love fall in New England, there is one particular downside to the changing seasons. Every time the weather cools off my face gets completely out of whack. Yes, give it a few months and I will have completed the transformation from full-on summer oil slick to a winter-fied combination complexion, but in the meantime I know I'm going to be a bit out of sorts.

That being said, I've learned a thing or two about skincare over the years, and this time around I'm much better prepared. The secret? I'm keeping an arsenal of face masks on hand for combating whatever crazy turn my face decides to take next. Feeling a bit parched? Got a mask for that. Pores looking clogged? Got a mask for that. Need to calm some irritation and redness? Okay, you get the picture.

While I've got a considerable number of awesome face masks at the ready, today I've got five cream-of-the-crop selections to share that'll help you tackle your different skin concerns. So whether you're going to spend the next month doing damage control like me, or just love having an extra excuse for 20 minutes of me-time each week, hopefully one of these picks will help you out!

Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift Review

*PR sample/Contains Affiliate links

Stress is one of those things in life that's good...until it's not. A small amount of stress is awesome for keeping us motivated and on task, but unrelenting, high stress environments can wreak havoc on our bodies. When we're under stress our body cranks out cortisol - the "fight or flight" hormone that gives us a quick boost of speed and energy to either fight off a predator or run away from it. A single surge of cortisol improves performance, but chronic exposure is known to lead to a whole slew of health issues. Weight gain, high blood pressure, decreased immune system function, and depression are just a few of the possible issues a person under high stress can develop.

And of course, from a beauty perspective whatever is going on inside our body will almost inevitably start showing on the outside. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and the skin around your eyes in particular is the most delicate of all. Show of hands, how many of you have looked in the mirror the morning after a particularly rough evening immediately noticed your eyes are giving you away? Puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines are like the tiny red flags that our bodies are in trouble.

Honestly, if you're dealing with chronic stress the best thing to do is engage in practices that will help bring those cortisol levels down and having you feeling better from the inside out (this article from Psychology Today has some awesome suggestions to start with). Despite my love of beauty, I'll be the first to admit that no product is a substitute for taking care of yourself. But if you want a little quick pick-me-up to pamper your peepers, this new launch from Dermalogica will definitely help you out!

Pur~lisse Skin Survival Kit Review

*Affiliate links/PR Samples used

As much as I love playing with makeup, I've always been a total nut for skincare. Having suffered from acne most of my life, it's always been my personal quest to find products that keep my skin looking clear and feeling soft. That being said, the process has never been easy. It can take weeks before you can tell whether or not a skincare product is helping or hurting your situation, and you can invest a lot of money in things that ultimately disappoint.

That being said, I really like to take my time with testing skincare. Makeup I can try a few times and have a pretty solid opinion on, but skincare I like to introduce slowly and test very thoroughly before I go and share my opinion with the world. I want to give you all the best recommendations possible, and with skincare that process just can't be rushed.

Speaking of which, I took home a boat load of skincare from Generation Beauty LA and its been taking me quite a long time to work through testing it all. I've been enjoying a lot of it, but this set in particular really blew me away. The Pur~lisse Skin Survival Kit has all the essentials you need for a daily skincare routine and has been nothing short of spectacular for my face!

First Look: H2O+ Beauty

If there is one thing that my endeavors in beauty blogging has taught me, it's that finding the perfect skincare routine is about as easy as finding the perfect man. There's a whole sea of options out there, and yet finding someone (or some moisturizer) you click with is no easy feet. You know how it is. Those products that totally underwhelm are like those first dates where you keep checking your phone to see how much time has passed. Or you have those finds that you think are ah-maaaaazing on the first use, but then after a couple of weeks (much like that jerk of a guy who randomly stops calling you after the second date) end up breaking you out.

Of course there are those people who have been using the same products for the last 20 years and have amazing skin that I can only explain as the same phenomenon as people who marry their high school sweetheart and stay together until they're retired. If you are one of those people, kudos to you. But for the rest of us, we have many skincare loves and breakups in our lives, and need to wade through a whole bunch of junk in the process of finding our product soulmates.

Which brings me to the topic of today's post. One of the brands I've been "dating" over the past few months has been H2O+ Beauty. I remember seeing this brand on the shelves at Kohl's over the years, and not having my interest piqued. But after chatting with their lovely PR team during Gen Beauty back in September, I came to learn that in 2016 the brand totally revamped their packaging and reformulated their products to get rid of all of the parabens, mineral oil, and phthalates. Not only do I love the idea of cleaner skincare, but I am OBSESSED with their new aesthetic. Like a dude with a great new haircut, I was suddenly seeing the brand in a whole different light.

#treatyoself for the Holidays at The Red Door Spa

As much as I love December and all of its holiday cheer, I'm not going to lie and pretend its not  flippin' stressful. The days are shorter, the traffic is heavier, and the lines at every store are ridiculously long. Then you add in the occasional family drama, the lack of coverage at work, and the ever-growing mountain of unwrapped presents staring at you from the living room, and before you know it you're in full-on panic mode trying to decide whether to make Snickerdoodles or Peanut Butter Kisses for your neighborhood cookie swap.

Maybe I should just buy whatever I can find at Costco and put it on a fancy plate...No one will know the difference, right?

I MEAN, REALLY. WHO HAS THE TIME TO BAKE 10 DOZEN COOKIES?

Honestly, the pressure we put on ourselves at this time of year is maddening. Sure there is much fun to be had, but all the preparations can be downright exhausting. And this is exactly why I think it's important to take a breath amidst the crazy and remember to practice some self care. Anyone who's been around these parts before knows I am a big supporter of pampering yourself, be it taking 10 minutes to throw on a face mask, or half an hour to soak in the tub.

As for me, life is already bananas before you throw the holidays on top of things. And while I do my best to try and find some semblance of work-life-Christmas balance, I can still end up pretty run down. Fortunately, this year the Universe threw me a line. A few weeks ago The Red Door Spa reached out to me with an invitation to have a complimentary service at one of their locations. Founded by Elizabeth Arden, The Red Door has been performing award-winning spa services for over 100 years and currently has 30 different locations nationwide. When it comes to pampering there's very little that can top an actual spa day, so I (of course) graciously accepted their offer.

L'Oreal Pure Clay Mask Review

When it comes to skincare, nothing excites me more than a good face mask. Whether they're to hydrate, brighten, or detox your skin, I think a good mask is just as essential as a cleanser or moisturizer in any skincare routine. Having invested years of trying out different skincare regimens, I've come to realize that in the weeks I've skipped out on using a mask my skin always ends up noticeably more dull and congested.

Needless to say, I was totally pumped when I found out BzzAgent was sending me all three of L'Oreal's new Pure Clay Masks to try. I've seen these masks popping up all over Pinterest and my Bloglovin' feed, and have been incredibly curious to try them out for myself! Using a mixture of three different clays infused with other powerhouse ingredients, each of these masks is formulated to target specific skincare issues and help you put your best face forward. Let's take a closer look!

Skin Saviors: The Sunday Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner

I've never been one to know what it's like to have perfectly clear skin. Over the years I've battled with acne, large pores, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. My face is incredibly oily year-round, although in the dead of winter I've been known to also suffer dryness around my cheeks. Basically, since the ripe old age of 11 I've been fighting the good fight, trying to banish breakouts and helps keep my oiliness under control. My younger self was much more apt to fall for marketing ploys ("yes, you need oil-controlling everything!!"), and as a result my teenage years were pretty miserable skin-wise. I used cleansers and acne treatments that were way too harsh, skipped moisturizer, and hardly ever wore sunscreen.

Truly, it was atrocious.

Eventually, though, I woke up to the damage I was doing, and decided to put serious effort into understanding my skin and what it needed. Flash forward 10 years and my face is better than its ever been. Sure, its not as baby-smooth and flawless as my pre-pubescent self, but its finally free of constant, active breakouts. All-in-all taking a more gentle and mindful approach to my skincare has worked wonders. Which brings me to the latest addition to the Little Blushing Birdie lineup.

Sunday Riley is one of those luxury skincare brands that's piqued my interest for months. Other bloggers constantly rave about how amazing their products are, but the hefty price tags often hold me back. So when Sephora was offering a promo code to redeem for a deluxe sample of the Sunday Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner, you can bet I was all over it. From the first use I knew this was a special product, and before my sample got low I found myself running out to Sephora to pick up the full size.

Skincare Trends: Sheet Masks

*Affiliate links used

Show of hands, who else has fallen in love with sheet masks?

Not gonna lie, it's gotten to a point where I now I keep tiny stockpile on hand at all times. And I've got no shame about it. It's not that I use them every day, I just like to have options when the mood to pamper strikes. To me, sheet masks are like the bath bombs of the skincare world. Yes, it's a single use product, but you're paying as much for the experience as you are for the end results. And as the crazy beauty junkie that I am, I can't help but to hoard them both.

Milk Makeup Have a Good Trip Set

Is it just me, or does it feel like there are constantly new makeup brands popping up at Sephora and Ulta? I love to peruse both sites on the regular to see what has recently been added, and I feel like my to-try list just keeps growing longer and longer. In particular, I've heard a lot of hype around Milk Makeup, a youthful new line that's available at Sephora and in the Birchbox shop. One of my favorite ways to explore a new brand is to pick up one of their travel sets. For the cost of usually only one or two full-sized items you get to try a variety of products and develop a better sense for what the brand is about. So of course, when I was considering what I wanted to spend my hoarded Birchbox Points on, the Milk Makeup Have a Good Trip Set was at the top of the list.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Review

*PR Product/Affiliate Links used

As much as I have a weakness for eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks, the one thing I never regret investing my money in is quality skincare. Makeup is fun and beautiful to look at, but nothing is more important to me than taking good care of the face it sits on top of. You can totally build a great regimen on a budget (check out this full skincare routine I've put together for under $100), but that's not to say that luxury products are never worth the splurge. For me it's all about getting bang for my buck. Do I want to drop an extra $40 or $50 for pretty packaging and a name? Not really. But if I'm investing in top-notch, effective ingredients that actually deliver as promised, I can get behind that. The tricky part is understanding what exactly you're paying for before you hit that checkout button. And that, my friends, is why I'm here. I want to help you #educateyoself so you can make informed decisions about the things you're spending your hard earned money on.

Recently I was sent two insanely splurgey products from Influenster to test and review - the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. And when I say splurgey, we're talking triple-digit-burn-a-hole-in-your-wallet-splurgey. There are very few products I've tried that are more expensive than these, which left me all the more curious as to whether or not they actually work. Now, I haven't explored much of the Asian beauty scene, but I have heard many rumblings about how amazing this particular brand is. With innovative ingredients, SK-II products promise to transform your skin and deliver a youthful, radiant glow. Transform is a pretty powerful word, and an enticing one at that, but ultimately I need more than words to become a believer. So, in the name of science and informed consumerism, let's get into this!

Skincare Trends: Facial Mists & Setting Sprays

*This post contains affiliate links.

Is it just me, or are facial mists the next big thing? Whether you want to spend almost $20 on glorified water to hydrate your skin, or seek a magical potion to set down your makeup, there seem to be a countless number of pretty bottles with equally pretty promises appearing in beauty aisles everywhere. Many of us in the beauty community know and will easily admit that facial sprays are the epitome of the princess product - totally unnecessary, and yet 100% enjoyable to use. There's just something so strangely luxurious and spa-like about misting one of them over your face that it's hard to not get sucked into the trend.

Now, I'm not ashamed to admit that I've been incredibly curious about a lot of these products and have (as you can obviously see) picked up quite a few to try out. They range from incredibly expensive, to incredibly affordable, and all tout some seriously impressive claims. From brightening skin and tightening pores, to giving you a flawless base for your makeup, these lovely skincare concoctions seem almost too good to be true. Which, I suppose, leads us to the big question hanging in the air. Do they actually work? Is the hype actually merited? Or are facial sprays just a bit of high maintenance fluff that we are wasting our money on?

Winter Essentials: My Favorite Lip Balms

Has anyone else noticed that Mother Nature seems to be awfully confused about what season it is? One day its -8º out and the next its 60. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for an early spring, but these constant changes in temperature seriously wreak havoc on my body. My allergies are going nuts, as is my skin (which can't decide if it wants to be bone dry or oil slick). Truth be told, if there is one word that I can use to describe my usual state of existence between January and April living here in New England, it's uncomfortable.

So what's a girl to do? Do you just need to suffer through three months of static shocks, frizzy hair, and dry hands without reprieve? The answer is no. Or at least, not entirely. Maybe you can't avoid the pain of your face being slapped by a wind chill of -25º while you're walking in to work, but you can certainly do something to protect and treat the bits of you that are exposed to the elements.

Perhaps the most crucial of all my cold weather essentials is lip balm. Chapped lips can range from annoying to downright painful, which means I am all about taking the necessary steps to prevent them. And as your resident beauty enthusiast, it also means that I am forever on the hunt for that life changing, Holy Grail, ultimate savior from angry lips. Which, of course, brings us to today's post. I'm sharing 5 tried and true balms for surviving winter chap-free.

Disappointing Products, Part II

Consider today's post a PSA to the beauty world. For the past year I've been putting aside products that for one reason or another were a let down to me. From wonky formulas to lackluster pigmentation, there are many a reason a product can disappoint, and it's really frustrating to waste your money on something that you just don't enjoy using. Hating on beauty products is not something I like to do, but sharing my true feelings is important to not only keep me honest, but to also help steer you all in the right direction. Cause let's be real, we work hard for our cash money, and if we're going to spend it on a new mascara it better not give us raccoon eyes!

Skincare Week: A Full Face Routine for Under $100

As sad as it is to say, it's finally time to wrap up skincare week. I've chatted about a lot of products, as well as some thoughts on my own skincare journey, and I thought I would leave you all with this: taking great care of your skin doesn't have to cost a fortune. While there are a lot of amazing luxury skincare products on the market, creating an entire routine out of them can easily set you back hundreds of dollars. And let's be real, how many of us can justify that kind of spending? Yes, above all else I think your skin is worth investing in, and if you want to spend $60 on an anti-aging serum I'll be the last one to judge. But if you're living on a budget, those kinds of splurges may just not be feasible.

Fortunately, with a little bit of shopping savvy, you can still put together a kick ass skincare regimen without breaking the bank. I've honestly been blown away by some of the products I've seen in the aisles of Target and CVS and truly believe that cost is not always indicative of quality. And that's why I wanted to create today's post. For less than the cost of a single bottle of Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, you can buy these 8 products, covering every single important skincare base from cleansing and moisturizing, to sun protection and dealing with the occasional pimple. And if that alone doesn't entice you, I also made it my mission to pick products that utilized high quality, natural ingredients and would be suitable for just about any skin type. Sounds too good to be true? Just you wait and see.

Skincare Week: An Intro to Facial Oils

When it comes to skincare trends, face oils are currently having a bit of a moment. It seems like every other day there's a new nut or plant or tree that's being pressed into the latest and greatest luxury oil (although I'm sure the communities where they are coming from have been utilizing them already for years). As someone who within the last decade was terrified of anything with the word "oil" in it, embracing this skincare trend was another counterintuitive step towards getting my face in check. I'm definitely still in the process of learning what differentiates one oil from the next, and if there is such a thing as a "best" oil for my particular skin.

Skincare Week: Masks & Peels for All Your Skin Concerns

Let's be real. Most of our lives are crazy busy. Whether you've got midterms to study for, kids running around, a 10 hour shift to work, or a social calendar with very little wiggle room, a lot of us understand the struggle to find a little me-time. And while the idea of heading off to the spa for a weekly facial might sound glorious, most of us don't have the time or money to indulge in that kind of fantasy. That being said, if you can find 10 minutes in your week to incorporate a face mask or peel into your bedtime skincare routine, both your brain and your body will seriously reap the benefits. Even with an awesome regime of cleansing and moisturizing, sometimes our skin needs a little extra boost of exfoliation, hydration, or nourishment to look and feel its best.

These face masks and peels are some of my personal favorites, and address a number of skin concerns, from dryness to dullness to congestion or hyperpigmentation. Most of them take less than 10 minutes to use and are surprisingly easy to make time for. As a quick aside, some of these masks and peels contain absolutely zero physical exfoliants, while others of them do. If you're currently suffering from active acne, I'd recommend steering clear of any kind of skincare product with physical exfoliants, as they can irritate blemishes and unintentionally spread bacteria, worsening the problem. A mask with a chemical exfoliant (AHAs, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, etc.) on the other hand, breaks down and removes dead skin and debris in a more gentle way. Just remember that prescription acne treatments can sensitize your skin, and if you're under the care of a dermatologist, you may want to check with them before adding any kind of product like this to your skincare routine!

Skincare Week: Rethink Your Cleansing Game

When it comes to skincare, perhaps the most basic and essential step is washing your face. We all know that dirt, grime, pollutants, and makeup build up on our skin throughout the day, and that letting them sit there (especially while we sleep) can lead to breakouts, congestion, and irritation. That being said, how you go about cleansing can do just as much harm as good. A lot cleansers on the market contain harsh, irritating ingredients that strip your skin of essential moisture and throw it out of balance.

My fellow oily and acne-proned people will understand this struggle, as so many cleansers geared towards our skin type are the worst offenders. If you've ever felt that "squeaky clean" feeling after you've finished washing your face, you know what I mean. Your face feels dry as the Sahara for a few hours, and then the oil returns with a vengeance. It's an endless cycle, perpetuated by tricksy marketing ploys. Oils are not your enemy! Especially if you have oily skin. Your face needs sebum to protect itself from the elements. Sure it can be annoying when you've got way more than is necessary, but your skin will never learn how to regulate itself better if you keep washing all of it away.

These 5 cleansers have completely changed the way I think about washing my face. You'll notice a few common threads between them. They're gentle, suitable for all skin types, and free of irritating ingredients. They're also primarily made of oils, butters, and other nourishing ingredients that might seem totally unsuitable for an oily skinned gal like myself. But since I've made the switch over to gentle, hydrating cleansers, my skin has only been transformed for the better. I've got less breakouts, less congestion, and my skin generally gets less oily throughout the day. Each one of these formulas has its own unique benefits, while still being friendly to any skin type. Hopefully at least one of them piques your curiosity!